Display Enclosure

ABSTRACT

A low profile display enclosure system for enclosing a display device for viewing that protects the display device from environmental effects and is configured to dissipate heat generated within the display enclosure. The substantially sealed display enclosure comprises a rigid bezel, a substantially transparent front cover coupled to the bezel, and a rear cover assembly that includes a heat sink portion. The thickness of the bezel is minimized to provide the enclosure with a low profile about the periphery of the display device enclosed therein. Thermal control devices may be mounted within the enclosure to modulate a temperature within the enclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/719,185, filed Mar. 8, 2010. The contents of thisapplication are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to structures for enclosingdisplay devices. More particularly, the present invention relates toenclosures for protecting flat-panel display devices from ambientconditions encountered in a viewing location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to provide a background or context to theinvention that is recited in the claims. The description herein mayinclude concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily onesthat have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unlessotherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is notprior art to the description and claims in this application and is notadmitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

In recent years, flat panel televisions have become enormously popularin both commercial and residential sectors. As the prices for plasma andliquid crystal display (LCD) flat panel displays have continued to fall,and the quality for the same devices have improved, more and morebusinesses and individuals have purchased such devices for both home andbusiness purposes.

The advantages of flat panel displays has also led to expandedapplication and placement of display devices, including locating displaydevices in new and challenging and environments. For example, displaydevices might be located outdoors in various residential and commercialsettings for entertainment or marketing purposes, potentially exposingthe display device to damaging rain, snow, debris, and other elements.Display devices might also be located in indoor environments such asrestrooms, kitchens, and industrial settings for various entertainment,marketing, and informational purposes. As with outdoor applications,liquids and other potential contaminants may be near or come intocontact with the mounted display device, potentially damaging ordegrading the performance of the display device. It is desirable toprotect the display device, which is often quite expensive, fromexposure to environmental and other potential contaminants. Accordingly,various, sometimes bulky, environmental enclosures have been developedthat are intended to protect a display device from the elements andother containments to permit locating such displays outdoors and inother potentially inhospitable environments.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present invention comprise enclosed displaydevice systems and enclosure systems for display devices such as a LCD,LED or plasma flat panel display devices. These systems may becharacterized by a low profile enclosure that supports an encloseddisplay device for viewing and protects the display device from adverseambient conditions that may be encountered in a viewing location. Forexample, various the enclosure systems are substantially sealed andweatherproof, preventing ingress of liquids such as precipitation thatmay occur at an outdoor viewing location.

The enclosure systems according to various embodiments also providethermal protection for the enclosed display device. Modern flat paneldisplay devices typically generate heat while in use. The heat loadgenerated can be substantial under various circumstances. Consequently,the temperature within a sealed weatherproof enclosure can rapidly riseabove the thermal operating range of the display device unlessmitigated. Thermal conditions within the enclosure may be exasperated byambient conditions, for example, high ambient temperatures and/or a highsolar load on the display enclosure. Additionally, under low ambienttemperatures it may be necessary to generate additional heat within theenclosure when the display device is on or off in order to protect thedisplay device and/or maintain sufficient operating temperature withinthe enclosure. Accordingly, the enclosure systems may include activeand/or passive thermal control devices to modulate the temperaturewithin the enclosure.

Additionally and according to various embodiments, low profileprotective enclosures may extend only minimally beyond the periphery ofthe display area of the display device. In other words, it is desirableto minimize the thickness of the enclosure about the perimeter of thedisplay device when observed from a viewing angle.

With the above considerations in mind, in one set of embodiments, aprotectively enclosed flat panel display device, comprises a protectiveenclosure substantially impervious to liquid ingress under ambientconditions encountered in an outdoor environment. The protectiveenclosure comprises a rigid bezel that defines a periphery of theprotective enclosure; the rigid bezel is characterized by a front bezelsurface having a first opening and a second opening substantiallyopposite the first opening. A substantially transparent front cover iscoupled to the front bezel surface and covers the first opening. A rearcover assembly is coupled to the bezel and covers the second opening. Atleast a portion of the rear cover assembly comprises a heat sink portionand the rear cover assembly also includes a cable entry. A flat paneldisplay device is disposed within the enclosure such that the displayarea of the display device is substantially aligned with the firstopening. A heat pipe assembly includes a first attachment portioncoupled to the display device and a second attachment portion coupled tothe rear cover assembly. A thermal control unit is disposed within theenclosure and is electrically coupled to a power source; the thermalcontrol unit includes a temperature sensor. At least one thermal controldevice is disposed at least partially within the enclosure andelectrically coupled to the thermal control unit, the at least onethermal control device is controllable by the thermal control unit tomodulate an internal temperature within the enclosure.

In another set of embodiments, a display enclosure for enclosing a flatpanel display device for viewing in an outdoor environment comprises arigid bezel characterized by a perimeter surface defining an enclosurearea. The rigid bezel comprises a perimeter surface having a rear edgeand a front edge. A rear surface extends inwardly from the rear edge anddefines a rear opening. A front surface extends inwardly from the frontedge and defines a display opening. The display opening is characterizedby an area at least about 85 percent of the enclosure area in oneparticular embodiment. A substantially transparent front cover iscoupled to the front surface and covers the display opening. A rearcover assembly is coupled to the rear surface and covers the rearopening. At least a portion of the rear cover assembly comprises a heatsink portion configured to dissipate heat generated within the displayenclosure to the environment. The rigid bezel, front cover and rearcover substantially define the display enclosure configured to receivethe flat panel display device therein. The display enclosure isresistant to liquid ingress in an outdoor viewing environment.

In yet another set of embodiments, an enclosed display device, comprisesa substantially sealed protective enclosure configured for outdoor use.The protective enclosure comprises a rigid bezel having a low profilecharacterized by a display opening and a rear opening. The rigid bezelincludes a plurality of lateral surfaces that define an outer peripheralsurface of the protective enclosure and includes an inner edge definingthe display opening. The inner edge is substantially parallel to theouter peripheral surface and displaced inwardly from the outerperipheral surface by a bezel thickness. A cover is coupled to the rigidbezel and covers the display opening. A rear cover is coupled to thebezel and covers the rear opening includes a heat sink portion. Adisplay device is disposed within the enclosure. The display deviceincludes a display area viewable through the front cover. The bezelthickness is minimized to define a low profile bezel and thesubstantially sealed protective enclosure is impervious toprecipitation.

These and other features of the invention, together with theorganization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent fromthe following detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numeralsthroughout the several drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an enclosed display device constructed inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the bezel and display brackets of theenclosed display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the rear cover assembly of FIG. 1, andFIG. 3B is exploded view of the rear cover assembly of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the enclosed display device of FIG.1;

FIG. 5A is a front plan view of the front cover of the enclosed displaydevice of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5B is a cross section showing a portion ofthe bezel and the front cover of the enclosed display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a cross section showing a portion of the display device, aportion of the rear cover assembly and the heat pipe assembly of theenclosed display device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6B is a perspective viewshowing the heat pipe assembly of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating components of the enclosed displaydevice of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a display enclosure 10 constructed in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The display enclosure 10 isa protective enclosure configured to enclose a display device 20 such asa LCD, LED or plasma flat panel display device. The display enclosure 10comprises a bezel 100 that defines a frame disposed about the peripheryof the display device 20. A front cover 200, or display cover, iscoupled to the bezel 100 and covers a display opening 111, or frontopening, defined by the bezel 100. The front cover 200 comprises asubstantially transparent material that permits viewing of the displaydevice 20 within the display enclosure 10. The display enclosure 10further comprises a rear cover assembly 300 coupled to the bezel 100.The rear cover assembly 300 covers a rear opening 311, opposite thedisplay opening 111, defined by the bezel 100. The rear cover assembly300 may include a heat sink portion and a cable entry portion 350 thatpermits passage of various power, video, audio, and other data carryingcables.

The display enclosure 10 is constructed so that the display device 20may be located in an outdoor viewing environment or in otherenvironments where the display device 20 requires or may benefit fromprotection from ambient conditions. Accordingly, the display enclosure10 is constructed to resist and substantially prevent ingress of variousliquids that may be encountered in the viewing location, includingprecipitation when the display enclosure 10 is mounted for outdoorviewing of the display device 20. In various embodiments, the displayenclosure 10 is constructed to prevent ingress of rain, snow andsplashing liquid. In a particular embodiment, the display enclosure 10is constructed to prevent ingress of liquid at a submersed depth of upto five feet of water, which may correspond to a modified rating of theIP68 standard (the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference).

As described in detail below, the display enclosure 10 may be providedwith features that enable or enhance performance and operation undervarious ambient conditions, while protecting the display device 20 fromadverse conditions such as liquids that may come into contact with thedisplay enclosure 10. The bezel 100, for example, may be constructed toprovide the display enclosure 10 with a narrow periphery, or low aprofile, that closely surrounds the display opening 111 through whichthe display area of the display device 20 is visible. Thus, the outerperiphery of the bezel 100 defines an area and the display opening 111defines a display opening area. In this configuration, the distancebetween an inner edge of the bezel 100 and the periphery of the bezel100, the bezel thickness, is minimized. In a particular embodiment, thebezel thickness is less than about 50 mm, and in a further embodiment,the bezel thickness is less than about 25 mm In further embodiments, thebezel thickness may fall between about 25 mm and about 50 mm.

The low profile of the bezel 100 permits the display area of the displaydevice 20 to closely approach the periphery of the bezel 100. Forexample, the display opening area is maximized relative to the enclosurearea. In a particular embodiment, the display opening area is at leastabout 85 percent of the enclosure area, and in another embodiment, thedisplay area opening is at least about 92 percent of the enclosure area.In further embodiments, the display area opening may fall between about85 percent and about 92 percent of the enclosure area. The abovedescribed configurations offer a clean, low profile look where the edgeof the display area of the display device 20 is in proximity of theperiphery of the display enclosure 10. These configurations permit, forexample, a plurality of enclosures 10, each with a display device 20, tobe arranged in a video wall such that the respective display devices 20are in close proximity to one another, thereby enhancing thepresentation of the image or images displayed on the display devices 20.

The display enclosure 10 may also include thermal modulation features.Such thermal modulation features may be active and/or passive andprovide temperature control within the display enclosure 10 to assist inmaintaining an internal temperature within the display enclosure 10 thatis within an operating range of the display device 20. Still further,the display enclosure 10 may include various additional features that,for example, sense ambient light conditions and communicate with thedisplay device 20 to adjust the brightness of the display to enhanceviewability of the display device 20 under various light conditions.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bezel 100 defines the periphery of the displayenclosure 10. The bezel 100 is generally sized such that the displaydevice 20 fits within the region defined by the bezel 100. The bezel 100may comprise a plurality of frame members 105 that are assembled todefine the bezel 100. As shown, each of the plurality of frame members105 is generally of a modified “C-shape” where a rear surface of themember may extend inwardly from a lateral surface beyond a front surfaceof the member. However, other configurations may also be used, including“L-shaped” and other shaped frame members. The plurality of framemembers 105 may be constructed of metal such as aluminum or othermaterial capable of providing sufficient strength and rigidity, whilemaintaining a low peripheral profile for the display enclosure 10. Inthe depicted embodiment, the frame members include a first upper frame110, a second upper frame 112, a first lower frame 114, and a secondlower frame 116. The bezel 100 further includes a lower plate 118coupled to the first lower frame 114 and the second lower frame 116.However, other configurations of the bezel 100 may be constructed,including a single-piece frame, two-piece frame, and frames comprisingeven more pieces.

As depicted in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of frame members 105includes a frame interface 106 disposed on at least one end of therespective member. When the bezel 100 is assembled, each of the frameinterfaces 106 is received by an adjacent frame member 105. Theplurality of frame members 105 are assembled to form the perimeter ofthe bezel 100, defining an outer or peripheral surface 108. Theplurality of frame members 105 may be joined using an adhesive such as ahigh-strength epoxy. However, other techniques for joining the framemembers 105 may also be used, including connecting elements, welding,and combinations thereof. The first lower frame 114 and the second lowerframe 116 may further include a lower flange 115 configured to interfacewith the lower plate 118. The lower flange 115 defines a lower opening123 in the bezel 100. The lower opening 123 is sized to receive thedisplay device 20 during manufacturing of the display enclosure 10. Thelower plate 118 is coupled to the first lower frame 114 and the secondlower frame 116 at the lower flange 115. The lower plate 118 may bejoined to the lower flange 115 by various techniques, including aplurality of connecting elements, welding, and combinations thereofRegardless of the specific construction of the bezel 100, it will beappreciated that, in use, the bezel 100 provides support for the displaydevice 20 and is substantially impervious to liquids and preventsingress of liquids and other containments into the display enclosure 10that may be encountered in the mounting environment.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5B, the plurality of frame members 105 mayform an inner edge 107 along a bezel front surface 101 that extends froma front edge 102 of the bezel 100 that defines the display opening 111.The display area of the display device 20 is visible through the displayopening 111. As such, the bezel 100 may be constructed to variousdimensions to accommodate display devices 20 of different sizes. Forexample, the bezel 100 may be constructed in accordance with displaydevice screen sizes that are commonly manufactured. In a particularembodiment, the bezel 100 is constructed to accommodate a 42 inchdisplay device 20.

The bezel 100 is constructed such that the thickness of the bezel, i.e.,the normal distance between the inner edge 107 and the peripheralsurface 108, the portion visible when viewing the display enclosure 10from the front, is minimized. That is, the bezel 100 has a low profilesurrounding the display opening 111. For example, in a particularembodiment, the distance between inner edge 107 and the outer surface ofthe display enclosure 10 is less than about 25 mm. In other words, thearea of the display opening 111 is maximized relative to the area of thedisplay enclosure 10 defined by the peripheral surface 108. For example,in a particular embodiment, the area of the display opening 111 is atleast about 92 percent of the area of the display enclosure 10. The lowperipheral profile of the bezel 100 may enhance the overall look of thedisplay enclosure 10, as well as minimizing the space needed in amounting location for installation of an enclosed display. In multiplescreen arrangements, where several displays are positioned horizontallyand/or vertically next one another, the low profile of the bezel 100 mayprovide an enhanced seamless appearance of the displayed image(s) on themultiple display devices 20.

The display opening 111 is covered by the front cover 200. As shown inFIG. 2 and FIG. 5B, the front cover ledge 109 may be disposed along theinner edge 107 and be recessed from the bezel front surface 101 toreceive the front cover 200. The front cover ledge 109 may be recessedfrom the bezel front surface 101 about the thickness of the front cover200 so that the bezel front surface 101 and the front cover 200 define asubstantially smooth surface. In other words, the surface of the frontcover 200 is neither perceptibly raised above, nor depressed below thebezel front surface 101. Alternatively, the front cover 200 may extendover the front of the bezel front surface 101 to the outer edge of bezel100 or a portion thereof. In yet another embodiment, the front cover 200may be disposed in back of the bezel front surface 101 and receivedwithin the bezel 100.

FIGS. 1, 5A and 5B show the front cover 200, which attaches to a frontportion of the bezel 100. The front cover 200 comprises a plate of asubstantially transparent material that permits viewing of the displaydevice 20 within the display enclosure 10. Accordingly, the front cover200 may comprise glass or a substantially transparent plastic. In aparticular embodiment, the front cover 200 comprises tempered glass. Thefront cover 200 is joined to the bezel 100 in a manner that preventsingress of liquids into the display enclosure 10. For example, the frontcover 200 may be bonded to the bezel 100 using an adhesive such as aurethane adhesive. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the front cover 200 mayinclude a border 208 that may be substantially opaque, on the frontand/or rear surfaces about the periphery to mask the bonding regionbetween the front cover 200 and the front cover ledge 109. The frontcover 200 may further include an anti-reflective coating on the frontand/or rear surfaces to reduce photopic reflection. The front cover 200may also be treated to mitigate ambient ultraviolet (UV) lightdegradation of the polarizer module of the display device 20. Forexample, the front cover 200 may include a UV coating configured toshield the polarizer from at least a portion of ambient UV radiation. Invarious embodiments, the front cover 200 is of sufficient strength towithstand ambient conditions when the display enclosure 10 is locatedfor outdoor viewing. In a particular embodiment, the front cover 200comprises tempered glass of about 4 mm in thickness.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a rear cover assembly 300 covers the rearportion of the display enclosure 10. More particularly, the rear coverassembly 300 covers the rear opening 311 defined by the bezel 100. Therear cover assembly 300 is attached to a rear surface 122 extending froma rear edge 121 of the bezel 100. The rear cover assembly 300 is joinedto the bezel 100 in a manner that prevents ingress of liquids into thedisplay enclosure 10. A plurality of connecting elements may be receivedabout the perimeter of the rear cover assembly 300 in order to join therear cover assembly 300 to the bezel 100. The use of removableconnecting elements allows for installation of and access to the displaydevice 20 within in the display enclosure 10. It will be appreciatedthat the connection of the rear cover assembly 300 to the bezel 100 isconfigured to prevent ingress of liquid into the display enclosure 10.In an embodiment, a gasket may be disposed between the rear coverassembly 300 and the bezel 100 to provide appropriate sealing of thedisplay enclosure 10. The rear cover assembly 300 also serves as a heatsink, dissipating heat generated from within the display enclosure 10 tothe environment outside the enclosure. As such, at least a portion ofthe rear cover assembly 300 may comprise a material having a relativelyhigh thermal conductivity. For example, in an embodiment, the rear coverassembly 300 comprises die cast aluminum. As depicted in FIG. 3A, therear cover assembly 300 assembly may include a heat sink portion thatcomprises a plurality of fins 301 disposed on the outer surface toenhance convective transfer of heat generated from within the displayenclosure 10 to the environment.

In various embodiments, the display enclosure 10 is constructed byassembling the plurality of frame members 105 to form the bezel 100.After the bezel 100 is formed, the display device 20 is introduced intothe region defined by the bezel 100 through the lower opening 123. Withthe display device 20 in place within the region defined by the bezel,the lower plate 118 is secured to the bezel 100. By introducing thedisplay device 20 through the lower opening 123 several advantages maybe achieved, including a low profile for the bezel 100 and a well sealedenclosure. Because the display device 20 is introduced through the loweropening 123, the dimensions of various portions of the bezel 100 may beincreased. For example, the rear surface 122 may be extended towards theinterior of the bezel 100 to enhance the structural integrity of thedisplay enclosure 10 with no increase in the profile of the bezel 100because the display device 20 need not fit through the rear openingdefined by the rear surface 122. Additionally, extending the rearsurface 122 permits the front portions of the bezel 100, including thefront surface 101 and the front cover ledge 109, to have a low profile.

FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of the rear cover assembly 300 thatcomprises a plurality of panels, including a left panel 310, a centralpanel 315, and a right panel 320, that are coupled together. Similar tothe bezel 100, the left panel 310, the central panel 315, and the rightpanel 320 may be joined using a high-strength adhesive such as epoxy butmay be attached using other techniques, including connecting elements,welding, and combinations thereof. As shown in FIG. 3A, the rear coverassembly 300 may include a plurality of mount attachment features 305that permit the display enclosure 10 to be coupled to a pedestal, wallmount, ceiling mount, or other mounting system. In an embodiment, theplurality of mount attachment features 305 comprises openings disposedin the rear cover assembly according to an industry standard pattern.The rear cover assembly 300 may include an access area 325 as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. The access area 325, for example, provides entry forpower and signal cables coupled to the display device 20. With referenceto FIGS. 3A and 4, an access cover 327 is attachable to the rear coverassembly 300 and may include cable glands to seal the cable entries,preventing ingress of liquid into the display enclosure 10 at the cableentry point. The rear cover assembly 300 may include a display controlaccess 330 for an on screen display (OSD) interface 530. The OSDinterface 530 may include a number of inputs operable by a user thatallow for manual control and/or adjustment of settings of the displaydevice 20. A cable entry cover 335 may be installed over the displaycontrol access 330 to prevent ingress of liquids into the displayenclosure 10.

The display enclosure 10 may include internal supports disposed withinthe display enclosure 10. As depicted in FIG. 2, the display enclosure10 includes display brackets 180. The display brackets 180 areattachable to a rear portion of the display device 20. The displaybrackets 180 generally comprise elongated members with openings forreceiving connecting elements to secure the display device 20. Thedisplay brackets 180 may be directly coupled to the bezel 100 or, asdepicted, by connecting brackets 182 attachable to the bezel 100. Thedisplay brackets 180 secure the display device 20 in the displayenclosure 10 and provide additional rigidity to the display enclosure10.

Various thermal control devices may be disposed within or at leastpartially within the display enclosure 10, to assist in maintaining theinternal temperature of the display enclosure 10. Thermal control may beaccomplished by including devices intended to add and/or remove heatfrom the display enclosure 10 depending on ambient conditions and/or theoperating conduction of the display device 20. The various thermalcontrol devices may work independently or in concert to assist inmodulating the temperature inside the display enclosure 10 within theoperating temperature range and/or storage temperature range of thedisplay device 20 under various ambient conditions. In a particularembodiment, the display enclosure 10 is capable of maintaining theinternal temperature inside the enclosure within the operating range ofthe display device 20 for an ambient temperature range of between about1° C. and about 60° C. The thermal control devices within the displayenclosure 10 may comprise passive and/or active devices.

One of the thermal control devices within the display enclosure 10 maycomprise a heat pipe assembly 400. As shown in FIG. 1, the displayenclosure may include a plurality of heat pipe assemblies 400. Withreference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the heat pipe assembly 400 is coupled tothe display device 20 and the rear cover assembly 300. The heat pipeassembly 400 conducts heat generated by the display device 20 to therear cover assembly 300, which as described above, may comprise amaterial of relatively high thermal conductivity as well as a pluralityof fins 301 for dissipating heat from the display enclosure 10 to theenvironment. The heat pipe assembly 400 comprises a thermal connectingelement 402 that thermally couples a display device heat spreader 401and a rear cover heat spreader 403. The display device heat spreader 401may be directly or operatively coupled to a rear portion of the displaydevice 20. The rear cover heat spreader 403 is directly or operativelycoupled to the rear cover assembly 300. Heat generated by the displaydevice 20 is consequently conducted via the heat pipe assembly 400 tothe rear cover assembly 300. It will be appreciated that theeffectiveness of the heat pipe assembly 400 to achieve temperaturecontrol within the display enclosure 10 will depend on the area of theinterfaces, quality of the interfaces, and location of the displaydevice heat spreader 401 in relation to the display device 20 and theheat generating portions thereof.

The display enclosure 10 may also include an internal fan 410 locatedwithin the display enclosure 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The internal fan 410circulates air within the display enclosure 10, mitigating thermalgradients or hot spots on, for example, a surface of the display device20 and regions within the display enclosure 10. The internal fan 410 iselectrically coupled to a power source to provide operating power. In anembodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 7 and described more fully below, apower supply 500 may be included within the display enclosure 10 toprovide direct or indirect power to the internal fan 410 and otherdevices within the display enclosure 10. The internal fan 410 may alsobe electrically coupled to a thermal control unit 510. In an embodiment,the thermal control unit 510 may comprise a thermostat that is capableof detecting a temperature within the display enclosure 10 and/or on thedisplay device 20. In a particular embodiment, a dual temperatureintegrated circuit sensor is mounted to the thermal control unit 510.The thermal control unit 510 may be equipped with one or moretemperature set points. The thermal control unit 510 may activate theinternal fan 410 (or other thermal control device) when a firsttemperature set point is detected, for example, 30° C. The internal fan410 then operates, mixing the air within the display enclosure 10, for apredetermined period, until the detected internal temperature fallsbelow the first temperature set point, or the thermal control unit 510otherwise shuts off the internal fan 410.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, a heating element 420 may be locatedwithin the display enclosure 10 to facilitate operation of the displaydevice 20 under ambient temperature conditions that fall below theoperational range or that would degrade the operation of the displaydevice 20. The heating element 420 may also be operated while thedisplay device 20 is off or in sleep mode, to mitigate damage to thedisplay device 20 that could be caused by ambient temperatures below thestorage temperature of the device. Various heating devices andcombinations thereof may be used in the display enclosure 10. In aparticular embodiment, the heating element 420 comprises one or moreelectrical strip heaters. Like the internal fan 410, the heating element420 is electrically coupled to a power source for operation such as thepower supply 500. The heating element 420 may have its own control or beelectrically coupled to the thermal control unit 510. Where the heatingelement 420 is coupled to the thermal control unit 510, the thermalcontrol unit 510 activates the heating element 420 upon detecting atemperature within the display enclosure 10 that falls below a secondtemperature set point. In a particular embodiment, the secondtemperature set point is set at 5° C. The heating element 420 operates,elevating the temperature within the display enclosure 10, for apredetermined period, until the detected internal temperature risesabove the second temperature set point, or the thermal control unit 510otherwise shuts off the heating element 420.

As noted above and as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply 500 may bemounted within the display enclosure 10. The power supply 500 iselectrically coupled to a power source, for example, directly orindirectly to a conventional power grid or other source. As shown inFIG. 7, an EMI filter 505 may be included between the power source andthe power supply 500. The power supply 500 may be used to power internaldevices, for example, the internal fan 410, the heating element 420, andthe thermal control unit 510, located within the display enclosure 10.The power supply 500 may also be configured to supply power to thedisplay device 20. In addition to the display device 20, the powersupply 500 may be a significant heat generator that may raise theinternal temperature within the display enclosure 10 when in operation.Accordingly, the power supply 500 may include one or more heat sinksoperatively coupled to the rear cover assembly 300 to facilitatedissipation of heat generated within the display enclosure 10.

In addition to the devices already described, a display controller 520that controls the display device 20 may be mounted within displayenclosure 10. Alternatively, the controller may be integral with thedisplay device 20. As shown in FIG. 7, the display controller 520 iselectrically coupled to the power supply 500, the display device 20, andthe OSD interface 530. The display controller 520 includes inputs forreceiving typical audio/visual signals, e.g., HDMI, VGA, PC audio input,component video, S-video, composite video, SPDIF, audio inputs, andATSC/cable tuner. The display controller 520 includes processingcomponents for output of a signal for display by the display device 20.An audio output from the display controller 520 may be directed to thedisplay device 20 or to stand alone audio equipment that may be situatedoutside the display enclosure 10. The display controller 520 is alsocoupled to OSD accessible from the rear of the display enclosure 10.

The display enclosure 10 may also be provided with an ambient lightsensor 540. The ambient light sensor 540 senses the light level outsidethe display enclosure 10 and may be mounted to the bezel 100 or beneaththe front cover 200. The ambient light sensor 540 is electricallycoupled to the power supply 500 and the display controller 520. Thedisplay controller 520 receives input from the ambient light sensor 540and, based on the input signal, may be configured to adjust thedisplayed image, for example, the brightness and/or the contrast,generated by the display device 20. For instance, under relatively lowambient light conditions, such as at night when the display enclosure 10is located outdoors, the display controller 520 may be configured toautomatically decrease the brightness of the display device 20 based onthe input from the ambient light sensor 540.

The display enclosure 10 may also be equipped with features that enablecommunication between the display device 20 and a remote control deviceconfigured to control and the display device 20. The display enclosure10 may include a remote control input 550. The remote control input 550comprises an infrared sensor in a particular embodiment. The remotecontrol input 550 is electrically coupled to the display controller 520and may be mounted to the bezel 100 or located beneath the front cover200 to receive input from a separate remote control device configured tocontrol the operation of the display device.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention havebeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to theprecise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible inlight of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of thepresent invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explainthe principles of the present invention and its practical application toenable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protectively enclosed flat panel display deviceviewable from outside the enclosure, comprising: a protective enclosuresubstantially impervious to liquid ingress under ambient conditionsencountered in an outdoor environment, the protective enclosurecomprising: a rigid bezel defining a periphery of the protectiveenclosure, the rigid bezel characterized by a front bezel surface havinga first opening, a substantially transparent front cover coupled to thefront bezel surface and covering the first opening, and a rear coverassembly coupled to the rigid bezel; a flat panel display devicedisposed within the enclosure such that the display area of the displaydevice is substantially aligned with the first opening; a heat pipeassembly having a first attachment portion coupled to the displaydevice, and a second attachment portion coupled to the rear coverassembly; and a thermal control device disposed at least partiallywithin the enclosure and configured to modulate an internal temperaturewithin the enclosure.
 2. The protectively enclosed flat panel displaydevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one thermal control devicecomprises a heating element.
 3. The protectively enclosed flat paneldisplay device of claim 2, wherein the heating element is configured tomaintain the internal temperature above a lower threshold temperature ofthe display device.
 4. The protectively enclosed flat panel displaydevice of claim 2, further comprising a thermal control unit configuredto modulate the internal temperature between the lower thresholdtemperature and an upper threshold temperature of the display device. 5.The protectively enclosed flat panel display device of claim 1, furthercomprising a power supply disposed within the enclosure, the powersupply configured to supply electrical power to the display device andthe thermal control device.
 6. The protectively enclosed flat paneldisplay device of claim 1, wherein the rigid bezel defines a loweropening configured to receive the flat panel display device uponintroduction of the flat panel display into the protective enclosure,and wherein the lower opening is sealable by a lower plate selectivelyattachable to the rigid bezel.
 7. The protectively enclosed flat paneldisplay device of claim 1, wherein the rigid bezel further includes afront cover ledge configured to accept a portion of the substantiallytransparent front cover, and wherein the portion of the substantiallytransparent front cover is adhered to the rigid bezel, thereby forming asubstantially water tight interface between the substantiallytransparent front cover and the rigid bezel.
 8. The protectivelyenclosed flat panel display device of claim 1, wherein the substantiallytransparent front cover comprises a glass cover, the glass coverincluding an anti-reflective treatment to reduce reflection by the glasscover.
 9. The protectively enclosed flat panel display device of claim1, wherein the rigid bezel comprises a low profile bezel characterizedby a bezel thickness defined by the normal distance between theperiphery and the first opening, and wherein the bezel thickness is lessthan about 25 mm.
 10. A display enclosure for enclosing a flat paneldisplay device for viewing in an outdoor environment, comprising: arigid bezel characterized by a perimeter surface defining an enclosurearea, the rigid bezel comprising: a perimeter surface having a rear edgeand a front edge; a rear surface extending inwardly from the rear edge;and a front surface extending inwardly from the front edge and defininga display opening, the display opening characterized by an area at leastabout 85 percent of the enclosure area; a substantially transparentfront cover disposed over the display opening; and a rear coverassembly, at least a portion of the rear cover assembly configured todissipate heat generated within the display enclosure to theenvironment, wherein the rigid bezel, the front cover and the rear coversubstantially define the display enclosure configured to receive theflat panel display device therein.
 11. The display mount of claim 10,wherein the display enclosure is resistant to liquid ingress in anoutdoor viewing environment.
 12. The display mount of claim 11, furthercomprising: a thermal control unit located within the display enclosure,the thermal control unit configured to receive a temperature input froma temperature sensing element responsive to a temperature within theenclosure; and a selectively operable thermal control device locatedwithin the enclosure and electrically coupled to the thermal controlunit.
 13. The display enclosure of claim 11, wherein the display openingis at least about 92 percent of the enclosure area.
 14. The displayenclosure of claim 11, wherein the front cover comprises a substantiallytransparent cover having a peripheral region extending over a portion ofthe front surface, thereby providing a substantially water tightinterface between the front surface and substantially transparent cover.15. An enclosed display device, comprising: a substantially sealedprotective enclosure configured for outdoor use, the protectiveenclosure comprising: a rigid bezel having a low profile characterizedby a display opening and a lower opening, the rigid bezel substantiallydefining an outer peripheral surface of the protective enclosure andfurther defining the display opening, a front cover coupled to the rigidbezel and covering the display opening, and a rear cover selectivelycoupled to the rigid bezel; a lower plate configured to selectivelycover the lower opening; a display device disposed within the enclosure,the display device including a display area viewable through the frontcover, the display device insertable into the sealed protectiveenclosure through the lower opening.
 16. The enclosed display device ofclaim 15, wherein the bezel thickness is less than about 50 mm.
 17. Theenclosed display device of claim 15, further comprising: a power supplydisposed within the protective enclosure; and a display devicecontroller electrically coupled to the power supply and the displaydevice.
 18. The enclosed display device of claim 17, further comprisinga selectively operable thermal control device disposed within theenclosure, the at least one selectively operable thermal control deviceconfigured to modulate an internal temperature within the substantiallysealed protective enclosure.
 19. The enclosed display device of claim15, further comprising a heat pipe assembly disposed within theprotective enclosure, the heat pipe assembly coupled to the displaydevice and the rear cover.
 20. The enclosed display device of claim 15,wherein the rear cover assembly includes a plurality of mount attachmentfeatures configured to operatively couple a surface mount to a mountingsurface.